The instant she sets one, Parker goes all out to make it happen, no matter how difficult the goal might seem.

During her time at Brandeis, Parker has been on a goal roll.

As a freshman, Parker set out to make varsity that rookie year. That opportunity came at at mid-season when Broncos head coach Maddie Williams promoted her from the JV squad.

This past season as a junior, Parker wanted to lead Brandeis in kills and blocks and make an impression on college coaches in the process.

Mission accomplished. She led Brandeis in both categories while helping the Broncos to another playoff berth, and her 413 kills and 126 blocks set a season record for the school. Attention from colleges also surfaced with Parker eventually verbally committing to Adams State.

“I was raised on having goals,” Parker said. “I learned how important it was from my parents (Brandeis trainer James Parker and former TLU All-American volleyball player Lisa). You work hard and, when you look back, you say, ‘Oh, my goodness. I accomplished that.'

“When you get that first one, it makes accomplishing the next ones a little easier. You start rolling with it.”

The senior middle blocker is setting her sights to a higher level in her final season.

Ranking at the top of the list is helping Brandeis to its first District 27-5A volleyball crown. On a personal side, she wants to upgrade her kills and blocks numbers.

The quest began earlier this week as Brandeis opened its season against Reagan and Johnson, before competing in the Northside Tournament Friday and Saturday.

Parker is ready to get going. However, she will be called on to make a bigger presence as the Broncos are rebuilding following heavy graduation losses.

“Winning a district championship and being the record holder would be an amazing way to end my career,” Parker said. “It would be phenomenal. I have to be sure I am supporting my teammates. I have to be that positive reinforcement. I have to come in every practice ready to go and make sure I am getting better.

“I'm excited about this team. We have a lot of space to grow, but I think we're going to surprise a lot of people. This group has so much confidence in one another.”

Parker made strides her first two years on varsity, but her breakout season came as a junior. She took charge on the front, hammering opponents with consistent kills while creating frustration with her blocking ability.

She then fine-tuned those skills this past summer while helping her club team, SA Force, to fifth place nationally and 21st overall in the Junior Olympics.

“Last year was great for all of us,” Parker said. “I just went out there and played my game. I was focused on doing my best. When I heard I set the records, it was a big moment.”

With that extra experience, Parker hopes to be a bigger force, especially on her blocks.

“I feel like blocking was a roller coaster for me at first,” Parker said. “But I feel like my blocking is now in a spot where it needs to be. Getting blocks is the best feeling, because you're shutting down a hitter. Blocks change the game for you. But I want to do everything well. I've worked a lot on my passing with Coach Williams.”

Parental support has also been valuable.

“It helps having parents who understand the game,” Parker said. “They know the pressure I'm under when I'm playing. My mother was a middle blocker and she taught me to be patient with the set on kills. That was the hardest thing to learn. You see it and want to hit it so bad, but you have to tell yourself to wait.”

Whatever Parker does, Williams knows her dependability will be more valuable this season.

“Alex is going to be a leader for us,” Williams said. “She sets the example. She thrives on success and likes to be the go-to kid. She likes knowing everyone has confidence in her. She's very driven. This is what she wants to do, and she knows how to get there.”